Winter Garden Necklace

"Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As I scan the social networks I see the most delightful images testifying to the beauty that only winter brings. One photo in particular was this one by Joan Regal Ahier from the Dalles, Oregon. Although she considers herself to be an amateur photographer, her talent captures the essence of many a moment like no other I have seen. I used this photo as inspiration for my Winter Garden piece.

A nearly monochromatic work, this 18-inch necklace is meant to mimic an ice-covered garden in winter. In it you will find all of the delightful elements a lady loves.
The upper neck of this stunning piece was accomplished with dainty silver pearls and sterling silver beads to rest comfortably on your neck. As the neck transforms into the main body there are shimmering Swarovski crystals peaking out from the weave to catch the light and add flashes of color the way only these lovely Austrian crystals can. Next the weave (and the fun) begins!
I used sparkling crystal AB seed beads to give the effect of sunlight in the ice-covered trees and frosty Magatama beads to capture the look of snow on the ground. The lovely opalescent flowers give the sense that the temperature change came quickly and suddenly thus freezing the flowers in place. It serves to remind us that Spring will return again, the branches will turn green once more and blossom. The slight breaks in the weave not only allow more light to play on the necklace, but also allows for me to incorporate gemstone beads into the piece. As with most of my pieces this one draws to a close with a sterling lobster claw clasp. On the other side is an oval jump ring for added security, also in sterling.

For a piece that is nearly absent of color this necklace shimmers dramatically!

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Gift Certificates

Gift Certificates have so many wonderful applications! They great for those people on your shopping list you are not quite sure what to buy. Not only that but suppose you want to buy your mother something really special and you have some others who would like to join in. Each person can send their own Gift Certificate so Mom has more choices! She can choose several pair of earrings, some necklaces and maybe a handcrafted exotic wood cutting board or bowl or even that wonderful Winter Frost necklace. The gift certificates are also great for those last minute "OOPS I forgot someone" gift because they can be sent right away. Because they all go through Paypal everything is instant. They are very easy to use.
Divella Delights has gifts for little ones on your list as well. Do you have a niece or nephew you have not seen for a while? Send their mom or dad the gift certificate and let them get the right size and color.
You can print them out and give them in person or in a card. They are great for those Yankee swaps at the office!
Here are a few things we offer at Divella Delights…stop by and see more! We are always changing!

Fall Infatuation

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. George Eliot
There is no place that compares to Nature’s palette during these months here in New England. A drive up I-95 in autumn is simply amazing. The further north one goes the deeper the colors of the trees and the crisper and cleaner the air becomes. There are places where the hillsides appear to be in a blaze, the oranges and reds so deep and vivid. No doubt about it, living in New England is for the lovers of autumn.
Creating jewelry is always easiest for me this time of year; the inspiration so stunning and the colors are my favorite palette to draw from so it made this design come quite easily.
I began with this stunning copper leaf from Artbeads.com as the focal point of my 21-inch necklace. Behind that leaves created with seed beads peek out. Several inches on each side were then woven using the same Toho seed beads, coppery pearls, Swarovski in Padparadscha, and Goldstone. I always Fireline for my weaving because of the strength and the fact that is does not stretch. The last part of the neck is done with this wonderful lovely copper chain with tiny little leaves swaying gently from the links. Finally a copper toggle clasp to pull it all together making it easy for most anyone to put on and remove. Be sure and see all my new fall designs and my hats too at Divella Delights.

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Divella Delights from Sea to Sea

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that right around the middle of September you will be able to see my jewelry at Clothware in the Square in Cambridge, MA in Harvard Square. My hats will be at Fyberworks in Portland, Oregon the Fall! I am very excited! Perhaps New York is next!!

Come by Divella Delights and see my new creations of the jeweled variety as well as my new knit and crochet Hats and Scarves for 2010!

Back to Work!

Here is what I have been working on lately...

Busy, busy , busy...

Our family had a difficult start to this year but hopefully we are on the mend now.

I am still working the full time job for another 8 weeks so I am trying to get some design time in and beading is always a great distraction for me. I have been having some fun with the geometric bracelets although they take about 5 hours each so not too cost effective but like I said they are fun!

I have managed to get some of my signature pieces done for my trip to the west coast in August. I also need to get some hats done for that trip but I do have a few left from last year so I guess if I don't get to those it will be OK.

All the new designs have sold to the local fine jewelry store so I guess I had better get busy. Not only does she want more but also I would like to have some available for you! If you ever see something that has sold and wish to have something similar, please let me know. I cannot (nor would I want to) duplicate it exactly but I can certainly use the same design and gems.

Free Beading Instructions

As some of you know I was invited to participate in the "Blog for Beads" segment that Artbeads.com has been doing for several months now.
The way it works is I get to pick out a specified dollar amount in materials and create jewelry according to a theme chosen by Artbeads.com. Following that I have to give my honest opinion about the materials I have chosen. In addition the fabulous materials they carry the shipping is free which makes the next part of my scheme easy for all of you! Beginning with the next segment when I post the photo of the design I create for Blog for Beads, I will also give you a materials list and easy to follow instructions. All you have to do is sign up on my e-mail list and I will e-mail you the info FREE!
Here is the feedback I received from Artbeads.com about my latest creation. pictured here.
"Wow, what a beautiful ‘Mermaids Choker’ you’ve created! The pendant is breathtaking against your luscious mix of seed beads, crystals and amber. Your choice of colors for your beads is outstanding and the two gold satin rounds add a lovely touch framed up against the side of the gorgeous lampwork pendant. I’m delighted to see your beadwoven clasp too! This is the kind of design, that if I saw it in person, I would want to pick up and touch as it has a wonderful warmth and vibrancy to it. An absolutely gorgeous piece and I thank you for all of your hard work creating it. I also appreciate your work on your blog, photos and links as well."
Be sure and check out the feedback from my customers on my Guestbook page!

Celebrating Spring with Artbeads

In springtime, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head. ~Terri Guillemets

Artbeads and I are celebrating Spring together!

That's right, it is time for Blog for Beads again and look at what I have for you this time!

I began this necklace with this stunning Venetian Glass 20mm Zanfirico Millefiori Disc as the focal point. I really wanted to bring out the beautiful gold tones in the glass so next I chose these 8mm Gold-Filled Round Matte Bead and placed them on the sides of the Venetian Glass and along the neckline. The balance of the neck was created with Swarovski Bicones and Amazonite beads. I used seed beads in 3 colors some of which are woven in and some I did in leaf shapes.

Artbeads has a wonderful selection of Venetian glass, Murano Glass and Lampwork beads in beautiful colors and a variety of shapes.

Sometimes when I have a hard time getting the creative juices flowing I just choose a large focal bead and go from there. It is a wonderful way to get beyond any creative block...give it a try!

I have another piece coming soon with more wonderful materials from Artbeads.com

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Divella Delights!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Divella Delights!
Everything on the site is 10% off, even the Under $25.00 section and all those beautiful hats! Necklaces have been discounted 40% and bracelets are 30%! Sale begins now and ends Thursday evening and remember, I ship every day.
All orders over $45.00 receive a free gift!
I have the jewelry store I sell to coming over tomorrow to fill up her display so if there is something you want, you might want to get it now.
The winner for February has been selected so as soon as I hear back I will announce the winner.
I just purchased a program so I can make my own bead patterns for peyote bracelets so lots of great new designs coming up. I will even be able to bead people, pets, etc into a bracelet. See the geometric one? This one was designed by Anna Neff although I changed things up a bit and designed a clasp I like much better. This will be very exciting!
Happy Valentines Day to all of you!

Beautiful 1920s Felted Hats

I have been having a really good time this year making my hats and hat and scarf sets and have loved all the wonderful comments on both my ETSY feedback page and my Divella Delights website guestbook. The hat that is drying now however takes the cake. While I was twisting up the yarn this idea came into my head so I gave it a try. I wanted something a little more chic and elegant and to my delight, it worked. White I am waiting for it to dry I am working up a Turquoise necklace in the same style as my last post. It is coming a long very nicely. I just can't wait for that hat! All I can tell you now is that it is red, a color I usually tend to stay away from. Check back in Sunday or Monday for the necklace and mid-week for the hat!